Saed News: The Great Nowruz, also known as "Khordadruz" and "Nowruz of the Kings," was the sixth day of Farvardin in the ancient Iranian calendar.
According to the society section of the Saed News website, quoting Khabar Online, the sixth day of Farvardin during the Sassanid era was one of the most important days of Nowruz, known as the Great Nowruz. Based on Zoroastrian beliefs, the sixth day of each month is dedicated to the Amesha Spenta Khordad, the guardian of waters. Therefore, this day was also called "Khordadruz," and in ancient Iran, people would bathe and wash their bodies in the morning of this day to establish a connection with the Amesha Spenta "Water."
Additionally, according to Zoroastrian beliefs, the sixth day of Farvardin was celebrated as the day Zarathustra was born.
According to Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī, one of the ancient customs of this day among the ancient Iranians was tasting sugar and rubbing olive oil on the body at the start of the morning, which, according to their belief, would protect the individual from misfortune throughout the year. There was also a legend that on the morning of this day, a silent and calm figure would appear on Mount "Pūshang" (in present-day Afghanistan) holding a cloth, and would be seen only for a short time. Some believed that this phenomenon was a sign of blessing and abundance for the coming year.
It is also said that on this day, the people of Iran had a tradition of washing in running water, as they believed this act brought purity and removed misfortune. Additionally, sprinkling water among people was another ritual of the day, rooted in a story that after a long period of drought, a heavy rain fell, and the people, in their joy and as a symbol of blessing, sprinkled the water on each other.
Moreover, one of the most important reasons for the special significance of the "sixth of Farvardin" in ancient Iran was that during the Sassanid period, Nowruz was celebrated for six days: on the first day, the king would sit on the throne, meet with common people, show kindness and generosity, and display the glory of the government.
The second day was dedicated to the farmers, who were higher in rank than common people, and their families also attended the ceremony.
The third day was designated for the soldiers and high-ranking priests, who played important roles in the governmental and religious structure.
On the fourth day, it was the turn of the courtiers, and the fifth day was for the king's family and servants, each of whom received gifts and rewards based on their rank and position.
Finally, on the sixth day, after completing the duties with the people, the king would celebrate Nowruz for himself. Therefore, the sixth day was called "Nowruz of the Kings." On this day, only very close individuals and special companions were allowed to attend, and the gifts brought to the king on the previous days were reviewed. Some of these gifts were given to the courtiers, and what was deemed valuable was kept in the royal treasury.
